1.1
These Classification Rules and Regulations are referred to throughout this document as the ‘Classification Rules’.
They have been prepared by World
Para Swimming
to implement the requirements of the 2015 IPC
Athlete
Classification Code and International Standards.

1.2
The Classification Rules have been adopted
by World Para Swimming on 8 March,2017.

1.3
These Classification Rules refer to a number of
Appendices. These Appendices form an integral part of the Classification Rules.

1.4
These Classification Rules form part of the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations.

1.5
The Classification Rules are supplemented by a number of Classification forms that have been prepared
to assist Athlete Evaluation. These forms are available
from World Para Swimming, and may be
amended by World Para Swimming from time totime.

Classification

1.6
Classification is undertaken
to:

a) Define who is eligible to compete in Para
sport and consequently who has theopportunity to reach the goal of becoming a Paralympic Athlete; and

b) Group Athletes into Sport Classes which aim to ensure that the impact of Impairment is minimised and sporting excellence determines which
Athlete or team is ultimately victorious.

Application

1.7
These Classification Rules apply to all
Athletes and
Athlete Support Personnel who are registered
and/or licensed with World ParaSwimming, and/or participate in any Events or Competitions organised, authorised or recognised by World ParaSwimming.

1.8
These Classification Rules must be read and applied in conjunction with all other applicable rules of World Para Swimming, including but not limited to the sport technical rules of World Para Swimming. In the
event of any conflict between these Classification Rules and any other rules, the Classification Rules shall
take precedence.

International Classification

1.9
World Para
Swimming will only permit an Athlete to compete at International Competitions if that Athlete has been allocated a Sport Class (other than Sport Class Not Eligible) and designated with a Sport Class Status in
accordance with these Classification Rules.

1.10 World Para Swimming will provide opportunities for Athletes to be allocated a Sport Class and designated with a Sport Class Status in accordance
with these Classification Rules at Recognised
Competitions (or other such locations as defined by World Para Swimming). World Para Swimming will
advise Athletes, National Bodies and National Paralympic
Committees in advance as to such Recognised Competitions (or other such locations).

Interpretation and Relationship to Code

1.11 References to an ‘Article’ mean an
Article of these Classification Rules, references to an ‘Appendix’ mean an Appendix
to these
Classification
Rules, and Capitalised terms used in these Classification Rules
have the
meaning given to them in the Glossary to these Classification Rules.

1.12 References to a ‘sport’ in these Classification Rules
refer to both a sport and an
individual discipline within a sport [freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke or individual medley].

1.13 The Appendices to
these Classification Rules are part of
these Classification Rules both
of which may be amended, supplemented and/or replaced by the World ParaSwimming from time
to time.

1.14 Headings used in these Classification Rules are used
for convenience only and have no meaning that is separate from the Article or Articles to which
they refer.

1.15 These Classification Rules are to be applied and
interpreted
as an independent text but in a manner that is consistent with the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code and the accompanying
International Standards.

2 Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 It is
the personal responsibility of Athletes, Athlete Support
Personnel, and Classification Personnel to familiarise themselves with all the requirements of these Classification Rules.

AthleteResponsibilities

2.2
The roles and responsibilities of Athletes include to:

c)
Be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable policies, rules and processes established by these Classification Rules;

d)
Participate in Athlete Evaluation in good faith;

e)
Ensure when appropriate that adequate information related to Health Conditions and Eligible Impairments is provided and/or made available to World
Para Swimming;

f) Cooperate with any investigations concerning
violations
of these Classification Rules; and

g)
Actively participate in the process of education and awareness, and Classification research, through exchanging personal experiences and expertise.

AthleteSupportPersonnelResponsibilities

2.3
The roles and responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel include to:

a)Be knowledgeable of and
comply with all applicable policies, rules and processes established by these Classification Rules;

b) Use
their influence on Athlete values and behaviour
to foster a
positive and
collaborative Classification attitude and communication;

c)
Aassist in the development, management and implementation of Classification Systems; and

d) Cooperatewith any investigations concerning violations of these Classification Rules.

ClassificationPersonnelResponsibilities

2.4
The roles and responsibilities of Classification Personnel include to:

a)Have a complete working knowledge of all applicable policies, rules and processes established by these Classification Rules;

b) Use
their influence to foster a
positive and collaborative Classification attitude and communication;

c)
Assist in the development, management and implementation of Classification Systems, including participation in education and research; and

d) Cooperatewith any investigations concerning violations of these
Classification Rules.

Part Two: Classification Personnel

3 Classification Personnel

3.1
Classification Personnel are fundamental to the effective
implementation of these Classification Rules.
World Para Swimming will appoint a number of Classification Personnel, each of whom will have a key role in
the organisation,
implementation
and administration of Classification for the World Para Swimming.

HeadofClassification

3.2
World Para
Swimming must appoint a Head of Classification. The Head ofClassification is a person responsible for the direction, administration, co-ordination and implementation of Classification matters for World Para Swimming.

3.3 If a
Head of Classification cannot be appointed, World Para Swimming may appoint another person, or group of
persons collectively (provided such person
or group
of persons agrees to comply with the Classifier Code
of Conduct), to act as the Head ofClassification.

3.4
The Head of Classification is not required to be a certified Classifier.

3.5
The Head of Classification may
delegate specific responsibilities and/or the transfer specific tasks to designated Classifiers, or
other persons authorised by World ParaSwimming.

3.6
Nothing in these Classification Rules prevents the Head of Classification
(if certified as a Classifier) from also being appointed
as a Classifier and/or Chief Classifier.

ChiefClassifiers

3.7 A
Chief Classifier is a Classifier appointed to direct, administer,
co-ordinate and implement Classification matters for a specific Competition or at such other
location as defined by World Para Swimming. In particular, a Chief Classifier may be
required by World Para Swimming to do the following:

3.7.1 Supervise Classifiers to ensure that
the these Classification Rules are
properly
applied during Classification; and

3.7.2 Manage Protests in consultation with World Para Swimming.

3.8 A Chief Classifier may delegate specific responsibilities and/or
transfer specific tasks to other appropriately qualified Classifiers, or other appropriately qualified World Para Swimming officers or representatives, and/or appropriately qualified persons in the local organising committee
of a Competition.

Classifiers

3.9 A
Classifier is a person authorised as an official and certified by
the World Para Swimming to conduct
some or all components of Athlete Evaluation as a member of a
Classification Panel.

TraineeClassifiers

3.10 A Trainee Classifier is a
person who is in the process of
formal training by World
Para Swimming.

3.11 World Para Swimming may
appoint Trainee Classifiers to participate in some or all components of Athlete Evaluation under the
supervision of a Classification Panel (which will include a
World Para
Swimming Classification Educator), to developClassifier Competencies.

4 Classifier Competencies, Training and Certification

4.1 A
Classifier will be authorised to act as a Classifier if that Classifier has been certified by World Para Swimming as
having the
relevant Classifier Competencies.

4.3
World Para
Swimming must specify and publish Classifier Competencies in a manner that is transparent and accessible. The Classifier Competencies must include
that a Classifier has:

4.3.1 A thorough understanding of these Classification Rules;

4.3.2 An understanding of Para swimming for
which they
seek certification to act as a Classifier, including an
understanding of the technical rules of the sport(s);

4.3.3 An understanding of the Code and the International Standards; and

4.3.4 A professional
qualification(s), level
of experience, skills and/or competencies in order to act as a Classifier for World Para Swimming. These include that Classifiers must either:

a)Be a certified health
professional in a field
relevant to the Eligible Impairment category which World Para Swimming at its
sole discretion deems acceptable,
such as a physician or physiotherapist for Athletes with a Physical Impairment; ophthalmologist or optometrist for Athletes with a
Vision Impairment; and/or a psychologist for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment; or

b)Have an extensive coaching or other relevant background in the
particular sport(s); or a recognised and reputable academic qualification which encompasses a
requisite level of anatomical, biomechanical and sport- specific
expertise, which World Para Swimming at
its sole discretion deems to be
acceptable.

4.4 World Para Swimming must establish a process of Classifier Certification by which Classifier Competencies are assessed. This process must include:

4.4.1 A process for the certification of Trainee Classifiers;

4.4.2 Quality assessment for the period of certification;

4.4.3 A process for handling substandard performance, including options for remediation and/or withdrawal of certification; and

4.4.4 A process for Re-certification of Classifiers.

4.5
World Para
Swimming must specify Entry-Level Criteria applicable
to persons who wish to become Trainee
Classifiers. World Para Swimming will
provide
Entry-Level Education to Trainee Classifiers.

4.6
World Para
Swimming must provide Continuing Education
to Classifiers for the purposes of Certification and
Re-certification.

4.7
World Para
Swimming may provide that a Classifier is subject to certain limitations, including (but not limited to):

4.7.1 A limitation on the Impairment type for which a
Classifier is
certified
to act as a Classifier;

4.7.2 A limitation on the components of Athlete Evaluation that a Classifier is certified
to conduct;

4.7.3 A limitation onthe level of Competition or Event that a Classifier is authorised to act as a Classifier;

4.7.4 The maximum time that a Classifier Certification is valid;

4.7.5 That Classifier Certification is subject to review within a specific time
frame by reference to the Classifier Competencies;

4.7.6 That a Classifier may lose
Classifier Certification if World Para Swimming is not satisfied that the Classifier possesses the required Classifier Competencies; and/or

4.7.7 That a Classifier may regain Classifier Certification if World Para Swimming is satisfied that the Classifier possesses the required Classifier Competencies.

5.1
The integrity of Classification in Para swimming depends on the
conduct of Classification Personnel. World Para Swimming has therefore adopted a set of
professional conduct
standards referred to as the ‘Classifier
Code of Conduct’.

5.2 All
Classification Personnel must comply
with the
Classifier Code of Conduct.

5.3 Any
person who believes that any Classification Personnel may have
acted in a manner that contravenes the Classifier Code of Conduct must
report this
to World Para Swimming.

5.4 If
World Para
Swimming receives such a report it will
investigate the report and, if
appropriate, take disciplinary measures.

5.5
World Para
Swimming has discretion to determine whether or not a Classifier
has an actual, perceived and/or potential conflict of interest.

Part Three: Athlete Evaluation

6 General Provisions

6.1
World Para
Swimming has specified in these Classification Rules
the process, assessment criteria and methodology whereby Athletes will be
allocated a
Sport Class and designated a Sport Class Status. This process is referred to as Athlete Evaluation.

6.2
Athlete Evaluation encompasses a number of steps and these
Classification Rules therefore include provisions regarding:

6.2.1 An assessment of whether or not an Athlete
has an Eligible Impairment for the sport;

6.2.2 An assessment of whether an Athlete complies with Minimum Impairment Criteria for the sport; and

6.2.3 The allocation of a Sport Class (and
designation of a Sport Class Status) depending on the extent to which an
Athlete is able to execute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport (with the exception for athletes with Vision Impairment,
where the
current assessment criteria is not yet sport specific and does not include a requirement
that the Athletes are assessed in respect of the ‘extent to which the
Athlete is able to execute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport’)

7 Eligible Impairment

7.1 Any
Athlete wishing to compete in a sport governed by World Para Swimming must have an Eligible Impairment and that Eligible Impairment must be Permanent.

7.2 Appendices
One, Two and Three of these Classification Rules
specify the Eligible Impairment(s) an Athlete must have in order
to compete in a sport governed by World Para Swimming.

7.3 Any
Impairment that is not listed as an Eligible Impairment in Appendices One, Two or Three is referred to as a Non-Eligible Impairment. Appendix Four
includes examples of Non-Eligible Impairments.

AssessmentofEligibleImpairment

7.4
World Para
Swimming must determine if an Athlete
has an Eligible Impairment.

7.4.1 In order to be satisfied that an Athlete has an Eligible Impairment, World ParaSwimming may require any Athlete to demonstrate that he or she has a Health Condition that leads
to an Eligible Impairment. Appendix Four lists examples of Health Conditions that are not Underlying
Health Conditions.

7.4.2 The means by which
World Para
Swimming determines that an individual Athlete has an Eligible Impairment is at the sole discretion of World ParaSwimming. World Para Swimming may consider that an Athlete’s Eligible Impairment is sufficiently obvious and therefore not require evidence that demonstrates the Athlete’s Eligible Impairment.

7.4.3 If in the course of determining if an Athlete has an Eligible
Impairment World Para Swimming becomes
aware that
the Athlete has a Health Condition, and believes that the impact of that Health Condition may be
that it is unsafe for that Athlete to compete or there is a
risk to the
health of the Athlete (or other Athletes) if that
Athlete
competes, it may designate the Athlete as Classification Not Completed (CNC) in accordance
with Article
10 of these
Classification Rules. In such instances World Para Swimming will explain the basis of its designation to the relevant National Body and/or National Paralympic Committee.

7.5 An
Athlete is required to supply World Para Swimming with
Diagnostic Information that must be provided
as follows:

7.5.1 The relevant National
Body and/or National Paralympic Committee must submit a Medical Diagnostics Form to World Para Swimming, upon completing the registration of an Athlete.

7.5.2 The Medical Diagnostics Form must be
completed in English and dated and signed by a
certified
medical doctor (Physical
Impairment) or
ophthalmologist (Vision Impairment).

7.5.3 The Medical Diagnostic Form must be
submitted with supportive Diagnostic Information if required by World
Para Swimming.

7.6
World Para
Swimming may require an Athlete to re-submit the Medical Diagnostics Form (with necessary
supportive
Diagnostic Information) if the World Para Swimming at its sole discretion considers the Medical Diagnostic
Form and/or the Diagnostic Information to be incomplete or inconsistent.

7.7 If
World Para
Swimming requires an Athlete to provide Diagnostic Information it may consider
the Diagnostic Information itself, and/or may appoint
an Eligibility Assessment Committee to do so.

7.8
The process by which an Eligibility Assessment Committee is
formed and
considers Diagnostic Information is as
follows:

7.8.1 World Para Swimming will notify the relevant National Body
or National Paralympic Committee that Diagnostic Information must be provided on behalf of the Athlete. The Head of Classification will explain what Diagnostic Information is required, and the purposes for which it is required.

7.8.2 The Head of Classification will set
timelines for the production of Diagnostic Information.

7.8.3 The Head of Classification will appoint an
Eligibility Assessment Committee. The Eligibility Assessment Committee must, if practicable, be comprised of the Head of Classification and at least two other experts with
appropriate medical qualifications. All
members of the Eligibility Assessment Committee must sign confidentiality
undertakings.

7.8.4 If the Head of Classification
believes that he or she does
not hold the necessary competencies to assess
the Diagnostic Information, he or
she will not participate in the review of the Diagnostic Information, but will
assist the
Eligibility Assessment Committee.

7.8.5 Wherever possible all references to the individual Athlete and the source(s) ofthe Diagnostic
Information should be withheld
from the
Eligibility Assessment Committee. Each member of the Eligibility Assessment Committee will
review the Diagnostic
Information and decide whether
such information establishes the
existence of an Eligible Impairment.

7.8.6 If the Eligibility Assessment Committee
concludes that the Athlete has an Eligible Impairment the Athlete will be permitted to complete Athlete Evaluation with a Classification Panel.

7.8.7 If the Eligibility Assessment Committee is not satisfied that the Athlete has an Eligible
Impairment the Head of Classification will provide a decision to
this effect in writing to the relevant National Body or National Paralympic Committee. The
National
Body or National Paralympic
Committee will be given an opportunity to comment on the decision and may
provide further Diagnostic Information to the Eligibility Assessment
Committee
for review. If the decision is subsequently revised, the Head
of Classification will inform the National Body or National Paralympic Committee.

7.8.8 If the decision is not changed, the Head of Classification
will issue a final
decision letter to the National Body or
National Paralympic Committee and the athlete will be allocated Not Eligible
(NE) in accordance with the provisions of Article 18.3 of
these Classification
Rules.

7.8.9 The Eligibility
Assessment Committee may make its
decisions by a majority. Ifthe Head of Classification is part of
the Eligibility Assessment Committee, he or she may veto any decision if he or
she does not
agree that the Diagnostic Information supports the conclusion that the Athlete has an Eligible
Impairment.

7.9
World Para
Swimming may delegate one or more of the functions described above to a Classification Panel.

8 Minimum Impairment Criteria

8.1 An
Athlete who
wishes to compete in a sport must
have an Eligible Impairment that complies with the relevant Minimum Impairment Criteria for that sport.

8.2
World Para
Swimming has set Minimum Impairment Criteria to ensure that an Athlete’s Eligible Impairment affects the extent to which an Athlete is able to
execute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport.

8.3 Appendices
One, Two and Three of these Classification Rules specify the Minimum Impairment Criteria applicable to each sport and the process by which an
Athlete’s
compliance with Minimum Impairment Criteria is to be assessed by a Classification Panel as
part of an Evaluation Session.

8.4 Any
Athlete who
does not comply with the Minimum Impairment Criteria for a
sport must be allocated Sport Class Not Eligible
(NE) for that sport.

8.5 A
Classification Panel must assess whether or not an Athlete
complies with
Minimum Impairment Criteria. This will take place as part of an Evaluation Session. Prior to participating in an Evaluation Session, an
Athlete must first satisfy the World ParaSwimming that
he or she has an Eligible Impairment.

8.6 In
relation to
the use of Adaptive Equipment, World Para Swimming has set
Minimum Impairment Criteria as follows:

8.6.1 For Eligible
Impairments other than Vision Impairment, Minimum Impairment Criteria must notconsider the extent to which the use of
Adaptive Equipment might affect how the Athlete is able to
execute the
specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport;

8.6.2 For Vision Impairment, Minimum Impairment Criteria must consider the extent to which the use
of Adaptive Equipment might affect how the
Athlete is
able to execute the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport.

9 Sport Class

9.1 A
Sport Class is
a category
defined by World Para Swimming in these Classification Rules, in which Athletes
are grouped by reference to the impact of an
Eligible Impairment on their ability to
execute the
specific tasks and activities fundamental to a
sport.

9.1.1 An Athlete who does not
have an Eligible Impairment or does not comply with the Minimum Impairment Criteria for a sport must be allocated Sport Class Not Eligible
(NE) for that sport in
accordance with the provisions of
Article 18 ofthese Classification Rules.

9.1.2 An Athlete who complies with the Minimum Impairment Criteria for a sport must be allocated a Sport Class (subject to the provisions in these Classification Rules concerning Failure to
Attend Athlete Evaluation and
Suspension of
Athlete Evaluation).

9.1.3 Except for the allocation of Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) by World ParaSwimming (in accordance with
Article 18.1), the allocation of a Sport Class must be based solely on an evaluation by a Classification Panel of the
extent to which the Athlete’s Eligible Impairment affects the specific tasks and activities fundamental to sport. This evaluation must take place
in a controlled non- competitive
environment, which allows for the repeated observation
of key tasks and activities.

9.2 Appendices
One, Two and Three of these Classification Rules specify
the assessment methodology and assessment criteria for the allocation of a
Sport Class
and the designation of Sport Class Status.

10
Classification Not Completed

10.1 If at any stage of Athlete Evaluation World Para Swimming or a Classification
Panel is unable to allocate a Sport Class to an Athlete, the Head of Classification or the relevant Chief Classifier may
designate that Athlete as Classification Not Completed (CNC).

10.2 The designation
Classification Not Completed (CNC) is not a
Sport Class and is not subject to the provisions in these Classification Rules
concerning Protests. The designation Classification Not Completed (CNC) will however be recorded for the purpose of the World Para Swimming Classification Master List.

10.3 An Athlete who is
designated as Classification Not
Completed
(CNC) may not compete in the sport of World Para Swimming. See Article 30 for remediation.

PartFour: Athlete Evaluation and the Classification Panel

11 The
Classification Panel

11.1 A Classification
Panel is a group of Classifiers appointed by
World Para
Swimming to conduct some or all of
the components of Athlete Evaluation including as part
of an Evaluation Session.

General Provisions

11.2 A Classification Panel must be comprised of at least of two certified Classifiers. In exceptional circumstances a Chief Classifier may
provide that a Classification Panel comprise only one Classifier, subject to that Classifier holding a valid
medical qualification.

11.3 A Trainee Classifier
may be part of a Classification
Panel in addition to the required number of
certified Classifiers, and may
participate in Athlete Evaluation.

12
Classification Panel Responsibilities

12.1 A Classification Panel is responsible for conducting an Evaluation Session. As part
of the Evaluation Session the Classification Panel must:

12.1.2 Assessthe extent to which an Athlete is able to execute
the specific tasks and activities fundamental to the
sport (technical assessment); and

12.1.3 Conduct(if required) Observation in Competition.

12.2 Following the
Evaluation Session the Classification Panel must allocate a
Sport Class and designate a
Sport Class
Status, or designate Classification
Not Completed (CNC).

12.3 Prior to the Evaluation
Session, the
assessment as to whether an Athlete has an Eligible Impairment must be undertaken by World Para Swimming, unless World
ParaSwimming requests this
to be undertaken by a Classification Panel.

12.4 The Evaluation
Session must take place in a controlled non-competitive environment that allows for
the repeated observation of key tasks and activities.

12.4.1 Although other factors such as
low fitness level, poor technical proficiency and aging may also affect the fundamental tasks and activities of the sport, the allocation of Sport Class must
not be affected by these factors.

12.5 An Athlete who has a Non-Eligible Impairment and an Eligible Impairment may be evaluated by a Classification Panel on the basis of the Eligible Impairment,
provided the Non-Eligible Impairment does not affect the Classification Panel’s ability
to allocate a Sport Class.

12.6 The Sport Class
allocated
to the Athlete will be in
accordance with the processes specified in
Appendices One, Two and Three.

13
Evaluation Sessions

13.1 This Article applies to all
Evaluation Sessions.

13.2 The Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic
Committee is responsible for ensuring that Athletes
comply with their duties in relation to the provisions in
this Article.

13.3 In respect of Athletes:

13.3.1 Athletes have the right to be accompanied by a member of the Athlete’s National Body
or National
Paralympic Committee when attending an Evaluation Session. The Athlete must be accompanied if the Athlete is a minor or has an
Intellectual Impairment.

13.3.2 The person chosen by the Athlete to accompany the Athlete at an Evaluation Session should be familiar with
the Athlete’s Impairment and sport history.

13.3.3 The Athlete and accompanying person must acknowledge the terms of the Athlete Evaluation Agreement
Form as specified by World Para Swimming.

13.3.4 The Athlete must verify his or her identity
to the satisfaction of the Classification Panel, by providing a document such
as a passport, photo ID card, or
event accreditation.

13.3.5 The Athlete must attend the Evaluation Session with any sports
attire or equipment relevant to the sport for which the Athlete wishes to be allocated a Sport Class.

13.3.6 The Athlete must
disclose the use of any medication and/or medical device/implant to the Classification Panel.

13.3.7 The Athlete must comply
with all reasonable instructions given by a Classification Panel.

13.4 In
respect of the Classification Panel:

13.4.1 The Classification Panel
may request that an Athlete provide medical documentation relevant to the Athlete’s Eligible Impairment if the Classification Panel believes that this will be necessary in order for it to allocate a Sport Class.

13.4.2 The Classification Panel
will conduct Evaluation Sessions in English unless otherwise stipulated by World Para Swimming. If the Athlete requires an interpreter, a member of the Athlete’s National Body or National
Paralympic Committee will be responsible for arranging for an interpreter. The interpreter is permitted to attend the Evaluation Session in addition to the person referred to in Article
13.3.1 above.

13.4.3 The Classification Panel
may at any stage seek medical, technical or scientific opinion(s), with the agreement of the Head of Classification and/or a Chief Classifier if the Classification Panel feels that such
opinion(s) is necessary in order to allocate a Sport Class.

13.4.4 In addition to any opinion(s) sought in accordance with Article
13.4.3, a Classification Panel may only have
regard to evidence supplied to it by the relevant Athlete, National
Body, National Paralympic Committee andWorld Para Swimming (from any source) when
allocating a Sport Class.

13.4.5 The Classification Panel may make, create or use video footage
and/or other records to assist it when allocating a Sport Class.

14
Observation in Competition

14.1 A Classification
Panel may require that an Athlete undertake Observation in Competition Assessment before it allocates a final Sport Class and
designates a Sport Class Status to that Athlete.

14.2 The methods by which Observation in Competition Assessment may be undertaken, and the matters to be
observed, must be determined by World
Para Swimming.

14.3 If a Classification Panel requires an Athlete to complete Observation in Competition Assessment, the Athlete will be
entered in the
Competition with the Sport Class allocated by the Classification Panel after
the conclusion of the
initial components of the Evaluation Session.

14.4 An Athlete who is
required to complete Observation in Competition Assessment will be designated with
Tracking Code: Observation Assessment (OA). This replaces the Athlete’s Sport Class Status for the duration of Observation in Competition Assessment.

14.5
Observation in Competition Assessment must take place during First Appearance. In this regard:

14.5.1 First Appearance is the
first time an Athlete competes in an Event during a Competition in a particular Sport Class.

14.5.2 First Appearance within
a Sport Class applies to participation in all Events within the same Sport Class.

14.6 If an
Athlete is:

a)Subjectto a Protest following Observation in
Competition; and

b)The second Evaluation Session is conducted at
that same Competition; and

c)Pursuantto the second Evaluation Session the
Athlete is required to undergo Observation in
Competition,

Observation in Competition must take place at the next opportunity within the Sport Class allocated to the Athlete by
the Protest Panel with Tracking Code
Observation Assessment (OA).

14.6.1 The Classification
Panel must allocate a Sport Class and replace the Athlete’s Tracking Code
Observation
Assessment (OA) by designating a Sport Class Status upon completion of First Appearance (or completion of any Observation in Competition conducted as part of a
Protest). If changes to an Athlete’s Sport Class or Sport Class Status are made following
Observation in Competition, the changes are effective immediately.

14.7 The impact of an Athlete changing
Sport Class after First Appearance
on medals, records and results is detailed in the World Para Swimming Rules and
Regulations.

15 Sport
Class Status

15.1 If a Classification Panel allocates a Sport Class to an
Athlete, it must also designate a Sport Class Status. Sport Class Status
indicates whether or not an Athlete
will be required to undertake Athlete Evaluation in the future; and if the Athlete’s Sport Class may be subject
to Protest.

15.2 The Sport Class Status designated to an Athlete by a Classification
Panel at the
conclusion of an Evaluation Session will be one of the following:

•
Confirmed (C)

·Review (R)

·Review with a Fixed Review ate
(FRD)

Sport Class Status New

15.3 An Athlete is allocated Sport Class Status New (N) by World Para Swimming prior to attending the Athlete’s first Evaluation Session. An Athlete with Sport Class Status New (N) must attend an
Evaluation Session prior to competing at any International Competition, unless World Para Swimming
specifies otherwise.

Sport Class Status Confirmed

15.4 An
Athlete will be designated with Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) if the Classification Panel is satisfied that both the Athlete’s Eligible Impairment and the Athlete’s ability to execute the
specific tasks and activities fundamental to the sport are and will remain stable (with the exception for Athletes with Vision Impairment as referred to in Article 6.2.3).

15.4.1 An Athlete with Sport
Class Status Confirmed (C) is not required to undergo any further Athlete Evaluation (save pursuant to the provisions in these Classification Rules concerning Protests (Article 19), Medical
Review (Article 31) and changes to Sport Class criteria (Article 15.7)).

A Classification Panel that consists
of only one
Classifier may not designate an Athlete with Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) but must designate the Athletewith Sport Class Status Review (R).

Sport Class Status Review

15.5 An Athlete will be designated
Sport Class
Status
Review (R) if the Classification Panel believes that
further
Evaluation Sessions will be required.

15.5.1 A Classification Panel may base its belief that further Evaluation Sessions will be required
based on a number of factors, including but
not limited to situations where the Athlete has only recently entered Competitions sanctioned or recognised by
World Para
Swimming; has a fluctuating
and/or progressive Impairment/Impairments that is/are permanent but not stable;
and/or has not yet reached full muscular skeletal or sports maturity.

15.6 An Athlete may be designated Sport Class Status Review with a Fixed Review Date (FRD) if the Classification Panel believes
that further Athlete Evaluation will be required but will not be necessary before a set date, being the Fixed Review
Date.

15.6.1 An Athlete with Sport Class Status Review with a Fixed Review Date (FRD) will be required
to attend an Evaluation Session at
the first
opportunity
after the
relevant Fixed Review Date.

15.6.2 An Athlete who has been
allocated Sport Class Status Review with a Fixed Review Date (FRD) may
not attend an Evaluation Session
prior to the relevant Fixed Review Date save pursuant to a Medical Review Request and/or Protest.

15.6.3 A Classification Panel that consists of only one Classifier may not designate an Athlete with Sport Class Status Review with a Fixed Review
Date (FRD)
but must designate the Athlete with Sport Class Status Review (R).

Changes to Sport Class Criteria

15.7 If World Para Swimming changes any
Sport Class
criteria and/ or assessment methods defined in the Appendices to
these Rules, then:

15.7.1 World Para Swimming may
re-assign any Athlete who holds Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) with Sport Class Status Review (R) and require that the Athlete attend an Evaluation Session at the earliest available
opportunity; or

15.7.2 World Para Swimming may
remove the Fixed Review Date for any Athlete and require that the Athlete attend an Evaluation Session at the earliest available opportunity; and

15.7.3 In both instances the
relevant National Body or National Paralympic Committee shall be informed as soon as is practicable.

16
Multiple Sport Classes

16.1 This Article applies to Athletes who are potentially eligible to be allocated more than one Sport Class.

Multiple Eligible Impairments

16.2 An Athlete who has a Physical and Vision Impairment, a Physical and Intellectual
Impairment, or a Vision and Intellectual Impairment may be eligible to be allocated more than one Sport Class in relation to those Eligible
Impairments. In such instances:

16.2.1 the Athlete’s National
Body or National Paralympic Committee must notify World Para Swimming as to the Athlete’s Eligible Impairments and the Athlete’s eligibility to be allocated more than one Sport Class in
respect of those Impairment types, and provide all necessary medical diagnostic information as required;

16.2.2 The Athlete must be offered the opportunity to participate in an Evaluation Session in respect of each Sport Class relevant to his or her
multiple Impairments, either at the relevant Competition or the subsequent Competition;

16.2.3 At the conclusion
of the Evaluation Sessions
referred
to in Article 16.2.2 the Athlete must choose
the Sport
Class that he
or she wishes to compete in (‘the preferred Sport Class’). If
the allocation of any Sport Class is
subject to
Observation in Competition the Athlete must select the
preferred Sport
Class before making any First Appearance; and

16.2.4 The Athlete will be permitted to compete in the
preferred
Sport Class
and details of the Athlete’s preferred Sport Class
will be published.

Changing Sport Class

16.3 An Athlete who has a Physical and Vision Impairment, a Physical and Intellectual Impairment, or a
Vision and Intellectual Impairment may request to change his or her preferred Sport Class:

a)At the end of the season when
the Athlete’s first
Evaluation
Session was completed; or

b)After the close of the
Paralympic Summer or Winter Games (whichever is applicable), and before the start of the nextseason thereafter.

16.4 A request to change a preferred Sport Class must be made
to World Para Swimming by the Athlete’s National Body or National Paralympic Committee. The application must be
submitted to World Para Swimming in accordance with the time frame identified under Article 16.5.

16.5 If the change request is accepted, World Para Swimming will amend
the Classification Master List in accordance with the Sport Class and Sport Class Status designated to the Athlete in the initial assessment.

16.6 Nothing in this Article 16 precludes
an Athlete from making a Medical Review Requestat any time in respect of anySport Class.

17
Notification

17.1 The outcome of Athlete Evaluation must be
notified to
the Athlete and/or National Body or National Paralympic Committee
and published as soon as
practically possible after completion of Athlete Evaluation.

17.2 World Para Swimming must publish the
outcome of Athlete Evaluation at theCompetition following Athlete Evaluation, and the
outcomes must be made available post Competition via the Classification Master List at World Para Swimming website.

Part Five: Sport Class Not Eligible

18 Sport
Class Not Eligible

General Provisions

18.1 If World Para Swimming determines
that an Athlete:

18.1.1 has an Impairment that is not an Eligible Impairment; or

18.1.2 does not have an Underlying
Health Condition,

World Para Swimming must allocate that Athlete Sport Class Not Eligible (NE).

18.2 If a Classification
Panel determines that an Athlete who has an
Eligible Impairment does not
comply with Minimum Impairment Criteria for a sport that Athlete must be allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) for
that sport.

Absence of Eligible Impairment

18.3 If World Para Swimming determines that an
Athlete does
not have an Eligible Impairment, that Athlete:

18.3.1 willnot be permitted to attend an Evaluation
Session; and

18.3.2 will be allocated with Sport Class Not Eligible
(NE) and designated with Sport Class Status Confirmed (C) by World Para Swimming.

18.4 If another International Sport Federation has allocated an Athlete with Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) because the Athlete does not
have an Eligible Impairment World Para Swimming may likewise do so without the need for the process
detailed in Article 7 of these Classification Rules.

18.5 An Athlete who is
allocated Sport Class Not Eligible
(NE) by World
Para Swimming
or a Classification Panel (if delegated by World Para Swimming) because that Athlete has

18.5.1 An Impairment
that is not an Eligible Impairment; or

18.5.2 A Health Condition that is not an
Underlying Health Condition;

Has no right to request such determination be reviewed by a second Classification
Panel and will not be permitted to participate in any sport.

Absence of Compliance with Minimum Impairment
Criteria

18.6 A second Classification Panel must review by way of a
second Evaluation Session any Athlete who is allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) on the basis that a Classification Panel determines that the Athlete does not comply with Minimum Impairment Criteria. This must take place as soon as is practicable.

18.6.1 Pending the second
Evaluation Session the Athlete will be allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) and designated Sport Class Status Review (R). The Athlete will not
be permitted to compete before such re-assessment.

18.6.2 If the second Classification Panel determines the
Athlete does
not comply with Minimum Impairment Criteria (or if the Athlete declines to participate in a second Evaluation Session at the time set by the
Chief Classifier); Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) will be allocated and the Athlete designated with Sport Class Status Confirmed (C).

18.7 If an Athlete makes (or is
subject to) a Protest on a previously allocated Sport Class other than Not
Eligible (NE) and is allocated Sport Class Not
Eligible (NE) by a Protest Panel, the Athlete must be provided
with a further and final Evaluation Session which will review the decision to allocate Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) made by the Protest Panel.

18.8 If a Classification Panel allocates Sport Class Not Eligible (NE) on the basis that it has determined that an Athlete
does not comply with Minimum
Impairment Criteria for a sport the Athlete may be eligible to compete in another
sport, subject to Athlete Evaluation for that sport.

18.9 If an Athlete is allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE),
this does not question the presence of a genuine Impairment. It is only a ruling on the eligibility
of the Athlete to compete in the sport of World Para Swimming.

Part Six: Protests

Protests

19 Scope
of a Protest

19.1 A Protest may only be made in respect of an Athlete’s Sport Class. A Protest may not be made in respect of
an Athlete’s
Sport Class
Status.

19.2 A Protest may not be made in respect of an Athlete who has been allocated Sport Class Not Eligible (NE).

20 Parties
Permitted to Make a Protest

AProtestmay only be made by oneof thefollowing bodies:

20.1 A National Body
(see Articles 21-22); or

20.2 A National Paralympic Committee (see Articles 21-22); or

20.3 World Para Swimming (see Articles 23-24).

21
National Protests

21.1 A National Body
or a National Paralympic Committee may only make a
Protest in respect of an Athlete under its jurisdiction at a Competition or venue set aside for Athlete Evaluation.

21.2 If the
outcome of Athlete Evaluation is published during a Competition (pursuant to Article 17 of these Classification Rules) a National Protest must be submitted within one (1) hour of that outcome
being published. If the outcome of Athlete Evaluation is published following Observation in Competition a National Protest must be submitted within fifteen (15) minutes of that outcome being
published.

21.3 If an
Athlete is required by a Classification Panel to undergo Observation in Competition Assessment, a National Body or a National Paralympic Committee may make a Protest before or after First
Appearance takes place. If a Protest is made before First Appearance takes place the Athlete must not be permitted to compete until the Protest has been resolved.

22
National Protest Procedure

22.1 To submit a National Protest, a National Body or a National Paralympic Committee must show that the Protest is bona fide with supporting evidence and complete a
Protest Form, that must be made available by World Para Swimming at the Competition and via World Para Swimming website, and must include the following:

22.1.1 The name and SDMS ID of
the Protested Athlete;

22.1.2 The details of the Protested Decision and/or a copy ofthe Protested Decision;

22.1.3 An explanation as to why the Protest has been made and the basis on which
the National Body
or National
Paralympic Committee believes
that the
Protested Decision is flawed;

22.1.4 Referenceto the specific rule(s) alleged to have been breached;
and

22.1.5 The Protest Fee 150€ by World Para Swimming.

22.2 The Protest Documents must be submitted to the Chief Classifier of the relevant Competition within the timeframes specified
by World Para Swimming.
Upon receipt of the Protest Documents the Chief Classifier must conduct a review
of the Protest, in consultation with World Para Swimming, of which there are two possible outcomes:

22.2.1 The Chief Classifier may dismiss the
Protest if, in the discretion of the Chief Classifier, the Protest does not comply with the Protest requirements in this Article 22; or

22.2.2 The Chief Classifier
may accept the Protest if, in the discretion of the Chief Classifier, the Protest complies with the Protest requirements in this Article 22.

22.3 If the Protest is dismissed
the Chief
Classifier must notify all relevant parties and
provide a written explanation to the National Body or National Paralympic Committee as soon as
practicable. The Protest Fee will be
forfeited.

22.4 If the Protest is accepted:

22.4.1 The Protested Athlete’s Sport Class must remain unchanged pending the outcome of the Protest but the
Protested Athlete’s Sport Class Status must immediately be changed to Review (R) unless the Protested Athlete’s Sport Class Status is already Review (R);

22.4.2 The Chief Classifier
must appoint a Protest Panel to conduct a new Evaluation Session as soon as possible, which must be either at the Competition the Protest was made or at the next Competition); and

22.4.3 World Para Swimming must
notify all relevant parties of the time and date the new Evaluation Session is to be conducted by the Protest Panel.

23 World
Para Swimming Protests

23.1 World
Para Swimming may, in its discretion, make a Protest at any time in respect of an Athlete under its jurisdiction if:

23.1.1 It considers an Athlete
may have been allocated an incorrect Sport Class; or

23.1.2 A National Body or
National Paralympic Committee makes a documented request to World Para Swimming. The assessment of the validity of the request is at the sole discretion of World Para Swimming

24 World
Para Swimming Protest Procedure

24.1 If World Para Swimming decides to make a Protest, World Para Swimming must advise the
relevant National Body or National Paralympic Committee
of the Protest at the earliest possible opportunity.

24.2 The Head of Classification must provide
the relevant
National Body or National Paralympic Committee with a written explanation as to why the Protest has been made and
the basis on which the Head
of Classification considers it is justified.

24.3 If World Para Swimming makes a Protest:

24.3.1 The Protested Athlete’s Sport Class must remain unchanged pending the outcome of the Protest;